Waterloo named as one of the world’s top universities

QS World University Ranking places Waterloo 36th in the world for sustainability  By Angelica Marie Sanchez University Relations The University of Waterloo ranked 112 overall in the 2024 QS World University Ranking , a leap from last year’s place at 154. Waterloo also placed among the top five universities in Canada. 

QS evaluated approximately 1,500 universities around the world. In a new ranking indicator on sustainability, QS recognizes Waterloo as 36th in the world. The inclusion of this new indicator in the ranking reflects how students prioritize sustainability in their choice of higher education institutions.  

"Our place on the global and national scale is a testament to our exceptional community of students, researchers, faculty members, staff and University partners," says Vivek Goel, president and vice-chancellor of Waterloo. "As we work to build a better and more sustainable future for humanity and the planet, Waterloo continues to exemplify its leadership in innovation and entrepreneurship, experiential education and excellence in fundamental and applied research."  

Over the past two decades, the methodology for the QS World University Rankings have been evolving each year reflecting the growth in data availability and changing priorities of students. The QS World University Ranking includes three new indicators: international research network, employment outcomes and sustainability, drawn from new priorities of students while rebalancing the weight of the other existing indicators. 

Waterloo ranked in the top 200 for five indicators: 
  • Sustainability: 36 

  • Citations per Faculty: 100 

  • Employment outcomes: 112 

  • Employer reputation: 117 

  • International Students: 172 



View the full list on the QS World University Ranking. 

Waterloo rises in QS World University Rankings

Traditional strengths in STEM subject areas complemented by showings in hospitality and leisure studies and environmental sciences

Waterloo ranks fourth in Canada on the inaugural QS Sustainability ranking

New QS World University Ranking measures environmental and social impact